Former starter-turned-backup Desmond Ridder has agreed to join the Bengals, adding depth behind Joe Burrow.
Cincinnati officially announced Ridder’s signing Sunday, filling out a quarterback room behind Joe Burrow that already includes Jake Browning and Payton Thorne.
Ridder, who turns 26 before Week 1, brings prior starting experience along with multiple backup stints to Cincinnati.
After being made a third-round selection by the Falcons in 2022, he started 18 games — including 13 in 2023, when he threw for 2,836 yards, 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions with a 64.2 completion percentage.
In Atlanta, things unraveled mid‑season in 2023 after Ridder entered as the starting quarterback.
He was benched after turnover struggles and uninspiring play, which ultimately led to the team adding Kirk Cousins in free agency last year, along with Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Ridder has recorded 4,002 passing yards, 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, alongside 293 rushing yards and three rushing scores for his career.
He had a stint with the Raiders in 2024, appearing in six games and making one start.
He threw for 458 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in Las Vegas, and he completed 52-of-85 passes for 61.2 percent.
Ridder also played his college football at Cincinnati, where he helped lead the team to a 13-1 record in the 2021 season, earning an American Athletic Conference championship with a 35-20 win over Houston.
The season concluded with a 27-6 loss to Alabama in the Cotton Bowl Classic.
Ridder threw for 3,334 passing yards with 30 touchdowns and eight interceptions, and he also completed 64.9 percent of his passes.
Not all roster business is running smoothly in Cincinnati, though.
First-round rookie Shemar Stewart remains unsigned amid disputes over his rookie contract.
Veterans will report for NFL training camp on July 22.
Meanwhile, star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson is holding out and reportedly seeking a long-term extension.
